I’d build my next agency very differently.

I used to think that getting out of the business was an operational problem.

Something you solve later.

Once you have enough revenue.

Enough people.

Enough processes.

I was wrong.

After building, scaling, and selling my 75 person agency, I realized something that completely changed how I think about agency growth:

You can build a growing agency that’s worth almost nothing to you as the owner.

And I lived through it.

The problem is that most founders don't intentionally build their agency.

They react.

A client asks for a new service.

You say yes.

Then you hire someone to deliver it.

Then you need someone to manage that person.

Then another client wants something different.

Five years later, you've built something profitable enough to survive...

But far too complex to enjoy.

If I had to start my agency over today, I'd do things very differently.

I'd design the destination first.

Then build backwards.

In this episode, I break down the 5 decisions I'd make from day one, including:

→ The question I'd answer before choosing a niche or service

→ Why your "70% margin" might not actually be 70%

→ The complexity I'd eliminate before hiring another person

→ And why I'd build a sellable agency even if I had zero intention of selling

I also explain the two things I'd focus on in parallel to make the agency less dependent on me while intentionally building toward the future.

Catch the full episode on The Agency Uplift Podcast

- Sean

P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help: